MEMBERS of the diplomatic community came in force as the Netherlands Embassy celebrated King’s Day 2016.
In her speech, Dutch Ambassador Marion Derckx said relationship between the Netherlands and the Philippines has gotten stronger over the past several years.
She cited the growth of trade and investment between the two countries and the importance of attaining peace in Mindanao.
“The interest of Dutch entrepreneurs is increasing. The Philippines-Netherlands Business Council has been revived,” Derckx said while explaining that there is a need to expand sustainable and inclusive business.
Derckx also lauded the cooperation between the Philippines and Netherlands on human trafficking as she noted the efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Immigration in curbing the illegal practice.
On Mindanao, she said their country is trying to get a full understanding of the situation in the southern part of the country.
“Local conflicts do not exist anymore. They are all now global,” Derckx said.
According to Derckx, there is a need to further the peace process and that poverty and a lack of perspective plays a big part in the conflict.
For his part, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Jose Almendras noted the shared advocacies between the two countries and the increasing two-way trade and investments.
Almendras, who will only hold the position of DFA secretary until June 30, said the government is thankful for the Netherlands active role in the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Almendras then cited Netherlands increasing investments in the country which last year reached P45.70 billion and trade reaching $2.16 billion. He said the Netherlands is the Philippines 12th-largest trading partner.
The Netherlands and the Philippines is celebrating their 65th year of diplomatic and 150th year of consular relations.
Image credits: Roy Domingo